There are a variety of hats available on the market, one particular type the fashion space is paying attention to at the moment is trucker hats. This recent boom in popularity has led to many asking questions about trucker hats and what makes them stand out from other types of caps, making them ask: "What's the big deal?" The nostalgic, classic trucker hat has made its way back onto the heads of major celebrities and influencers, so learn all about trucker hats so you can get on the bandwagon!
What Are Trucker Hats?
Trucker hats are a type of hat with a brim or bill, similar to and often mistaken for baseball caps. However, there are some distinctions between trucker hats and baseball caps that lead to differences in the overall look of the wearer. Trucker hats have a foam front surface that stands tall and straight, making a trucker hat taller than its other counterparts. Trucker hats also feature a snap closure behind for adaptable sizing. However, the biggest difference that separates a trucker hat from the rest is the back portion made of plastic mesh, compared to other hats that are usually constructed of the same material.
History of Trucker Hats
The trucker hat's history trails back to the 1970s, as a form of marketing tool, rather than a fashion statement. Trucker hats were used as promotional giveaway items from rural businesses such as farming and feed stores, given as a token to truck drivers and farmers. Hence, the popularity spike in such hats among rural dwellers, especially truck drivers, inspired the "trucker hat" name.
Trucker Hats’ Benefits
Of course, now we see trucker hats on just about anybody, many adopting use of them outside of truck driving. The benefits of wearing a trucker hat led to its use in the mainstream, launching the humble trucker hat's launch in status from a niche token to the famous cousin of the baseball cap. Trucker hats can fit anyone, thanks to the adjustable snap closure. The long, straight front part of a trucker hat also lends itself well to designs such as brand logos and appealing graphics. The breathability of the mesh back makes it more ventilating, which is always more welcome under the scorching heat of summer, as it saves us from the unpleasantly stuffy and sweaty feeling inside our hats.
The Resurgence of Trucker Hats
Generation Z has fallen in love with vintage accessories and blasts from the past, inspired by nostalgic Y2K fashion and pop culture icons such as Lindsay Lohan, Britney Spears, and Paris Hilton. This has led to great demand for trucker hats in recent years, with online searches for trucker hats increasing substantially by 28% year-over-year. The trucker hat is a perfect accessory paired with the effortless chicness of other Y2K trend essentials such as low-rise jeans and baby tees. Hence, it only seems inevitable for trucker hats to make a fashion comeback, and we sure hope they're here to stay!
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There is one thing that everyone is on the same page regarding trucker hats, they were the fashion sensation in the late 90s and early to mid-2000s. They come from humble beginnings, as one can trace their existence all the way back to their rural and blue-collar roots. They then became one of the symbols of US-inspired dominant culture prevalent during the post-Cold War era euphoric period. This time was dominated by globalization, and trucker hats with simple patterns or quotes spread like a wildfire, from street to red carpets.